SA Rugby pay tribute to Bok centre Joggie Jansen

South Africa's rugby union has paid tribute to Joggie Jansen, the country's centre in the early 1970s, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 78. Jansen suffered a heart attack, according to reports. During his playing days, he represented South Africa in 10 Tests between 1970 and 1972, making his Test debut against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on July 25, 1970.

In that series, Jansen played in all four Tests, including a legendary tackle on All Blacks flyhalf Wayne Cottrell, which has become an iconic moment in rugby history.

Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, described Jansen as a proud Springbok who represented his country with the commitment and courage expected from a player wearing the green and gold jersey at Test level. He emphasized that Jansen was a formidable rugby player and a prime example of the unyielding spirit that defined the Springboks of his era.

Alexander noted that Jansen's famous tackle against New Zealand is etched in Springbok folklore, but his contribution extended far beyond that moment. He was not only a Test player for South Africa but an integral part of the country's rugby heritage.

Born in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape on February 5, 1948, Jansen started his provincial rugby career with the Free State and was a member of their 1976 Currie Cup-winning squad. His international career also saw him play Tests against France, England, and Australia. The South African Rugby Union extends its deepest condolences to Jansen's family, friends, former teammates, and all those who knew and loved him.

They expressed the hope that his loved ones would find solace in the memories of a remarkable rugby man and the assurance that his impact on the Springbok story will not be forgotten.